I don’t often make the trek down International Avenue but now that most of the construction is done, it’s not that bad to get to. I met a new friend at the restaurant for supper – a fellow IG foodie @the_exploring_palate. Anna and I hit it off through social media and thought it would be great to check out a restaurant new to us both. We figured Indonesian food would be a safe bet for dairy free (since many of the dishes use coconut milk).
I mixed up my calendar in my head and arrived half an hour early. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel at home – just like family. I was brought a little dish of snacks – a crispy thin cracker with peanuts and herbs, broken into small pieces. It was super delicious! As I waited I read the story of the restaurant and chatted with one of the ladies who was super friendly. I also perused the little market where they sell pre-packaged Indonesian snacks, treats, seasonings and pastes. Of course, I had to buy some!
I ordered the traditional hot ginger drink and it was delicious! Sweet and zingy it was comforting and tasty, and I’d love to learn how to make it myself. The menu says it has 8 different spices and simmers for over 24 hours.
We went for three dishes to share, trying some of the more traditional items recommended by our server. We didn’t order coconut rice because we already had a rice dish in the mix, but I always love a good coconut rice!
Ayam Bakar – $15 – BBQ chicken with traditional Indonesian sauce. The sauce was delicious! It would be amazing on coconut rice (or plain rice). Personally, I’m not a huge fan of bones in my chicken, but it keeps the chicken moist and adds flavour so, when in Rome… I would eat this chicken again, for sure.
Beef Rendang – $17 – Beef slow cooked for over 8 hours in a blend of flavourful spices. The beef was definitely good, and fall apart tender, but in my mind, not as unique as the rice dish and the chicken. If you like tender beef then you should get this dish.
Nasi Goreng Seafood – $16 – fried rice with shrimp, calamari, scallops and fish balls topped with krupuk (deep fried prawn crackers), achar (salad) and egg. I loved this rice! Moist, tender, and filled with seafood it was delicious. There was so much flavour and it wasn’t at all dry. I need to figure out how to make this at home! I had to give this photo the featured image at the top of the page because it was the best dish of the night for me.
We talked until the restaurant closed and we never felt rushed. I will definitely return and would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for something different and tasty.
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